cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r  ˈkä- 

-lē-

often attributive

: a garden plant (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis) related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers

also : its flower cluster used as a vegetable

Examples of cauliflower in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Butternut squash, potato leek, cauliflower – these soups can turn humble ingredients into something elegant. —Cheryl Russell, Oc Register, 24 Jan. 2026

Simmer, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked, shreddable, and has an internal temperature of at least 185°F (85°C) and the cauliflower is very soft and falling apart, 40–45 minutes. —Hailee Catalano, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Jan. 2026

Highlights include the popular black bean burger and the cauliflower wings. —Abby Price, Travel + Leisure, 21 Jan. 2026

This recipe template can be applied to just about any basic creamy vegetable soup—cauliflower, broccoli-leek, potato and leek, butternut squash, or sweet potato. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 19 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Italian cavolfiore, from cavolo cabbage (from Late Latin caulus, from Latin caulis stem, cabbage) + fiore flower, from Latin flor-, flos — more at cole, blow

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing cauliflower

• cauliflower ear

Rhymes for cauliflower

• candlepower
• overpower
• superpower
• vavasour
• waterpower
• airpower
• brainpower
• devour
• empower
• firepower
• horsepower
• manpower

Kids Definition

cauliflower

noun

cau·​li·​flow·​er ˈkȯ-li-ˌflau̇(-ə)r 

: a garden plant closely related to the cabbage and grown for its compact edible head of usually white undeveloped flowers